Signaling device



17, 1940. c. H. scoTT SIGNALING DEVICE 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 31, 1936 INVENTOR. CAar/es /7. scoff: M Medm I BY H/S ATTORNEY.

Sept. 17, 1940. c. H. SCOTT SIGNALING DEVICE Filed Dec. 31, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

, /?6 56 0/6, .mmoa'wn...

H S ATTORNEY.

Sept. 17, 1940- c. H. scoTT 2,215,378

SIGNALING DEVICE Filed Dec. 31, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR T u) bar/e5 [156027. $7 10 A H /5 ATTORNEY.

Sept. 17, 1940. v c. H. SCOTT 2,215,378

' SIGNALING DEVICE Filed Dec. 31, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 I I \65' 7O V 55 66 64- 54-6768 57 F F I G. e.

INVENTOR /lar/es H5602? HA5 ATTORNEY.

Filed D60. 31, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG IN VENT OR.

Md M H 5 ATTORNEY.

Patented Sept 17, 1940 V v I iUNlTED. sr 'rss PATENT OFFICE SIGNALING DEVICE Charles H. Scott, Queens Village, N. Y., assignor to The Dorr Company, Inc., New York, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application December 31, 1936, Serial No. 118,544

? c c'iaims.v (01. 210-3) The present invention relates to signaling de- 498. It is this type of a traction driven machine vicesgand more particularly to an improved sigwith which the speed responsive device is comnaling device adapted to sound or display a sigbined according to theinvention. V nal or alarm upon the failure, of machinery to The invention, in the, present disclosure, is de- 1:: function properly. A 1 signed to maintain quiescent an electric circuit 5 The present invention is particularly adapted controlling a signal device as long as the machine for use in connection with mechanically cleaned with which it is associated maintains a fixed minsedimentationtanks, and more specifically for 'imum speed, and to operate'thesignal device opusewith machinery for operating the raking crating circuit when the speed of the machine lozzmechanism'of olarifiers of sewage disposal sysfalls below the minimum specified. The present a 10 tems. ,In such systems it is essential that the invention however, is broad enough in scope to mechanism operate continuously and at a conembrace an embodiment in which the signaling stant rate of speed. A shut down of the mechadevice is operable when thespeed of the machine nism may result in stoppage of the sewage diswith which it is associated exceeds a specified lil posal process, witna consequent menace to the maximum. g I I health of the community served thereby. A feature of the invention is a. device for con- In carrying outthe present invention, means trolling a signal device when the speed o-f ama controlling a signaling device, either visual or chine with which it is associated varies from a audible, is in turn controlled by the machine with specified constant. 3 i.

which the, means is associated. Preferably the g A feature of the invention is a device for oper- 20 signal,,controlling means is provided with elecating a signal device when the speed of a mechatric circuit control means operated by means connism is reduced below a specified minimum.

trolled by the speed of operation of the machine A feature of the invention is a'device for conwith which it is associated. trolling an energizing circuit for a signal device 25, The design and arrangement of the'device is upon a lowering of the speed of the device.

characterized byits special application to center In the accompanying drawings: I l ,j, s pier sedimentation tanks; that is to say, the ar- Fig. 1 is a plan View of the turntable of theclarrangement according to this invention takes adifier of a sewage disposal system to which the vantage of the center pier found in large sedipresent invention has been applied. r

30.:mentation tanks and of a sediment raking 0011- Fig. 2 is a side elevation of'the structure 11- structuionrwhich rotates about the center pier lustrated in Fig. 1, showing the same in'position and which derives support therefrom. A suitable on a turntable base. I r

rotary circuit controlling or signaling or alarm Fig. 3 is an end elevation ofFig. 2. V i device has fixed relationship with or is mounted Fig. 4 is a sectional elevation, on the line .4-fi

35.vv upon the centerpier, and the necessary rotation of Fig. 1, on an enlarged scale. 7 is imparted to it by virtue of the rotation of the Fig. 5 is a section, taken on the line 55 of sediment raking construction from the inner end Fig. 4. I l thereof. Fig. 6 is a sectional plan view, taken on the line Accordingly, one group of features relates, to 66 of Fig. 4. V I r 40;;the arrangement of the device with respectto its Fig. 7 is a sectional elevation, takenpn the line 40 stationary mounting upon the center pier and 1-1 of Fig.5. 7 M withprespect to its driving relationship with the Fig. 8 is a front elevation of the casing of the rotary raking construction. Another group of device, showing the rotating element of the defeatures relates to specific improvements in the vice, the cover of the casing being removed, and

45.; construction of the rotary switch device proper. with the circuit closing liquid shown in normal ;The device according to the invention is reposition, and v e sponsive to the travelling speed of a rotary rak- Fig. 9 is a view, similar to Fig. 8, showingthe ing mechanism which is supported upon and rocircuit closing liquid in position to cause operatatesabout a center pier,and which raking mechtion of the signal device. g 1' H anism ,is traction driven in the sense that trac- Referring to the drawings, l0 designates a-pier, 50

tive power is applied to the outer end portion of preferably of concrete or masonry and ordinaran arm member extending from the central por-. ily located at the center of a clarifier tank of a tion of the rotary mechanism. In other words sewage disposal system. Mounted on the pier lfl this isa traction driven machine of'the type exis a turntable base H and on which is rotatably iigemplifiedingthepatentto S. I.;Bousman #1,'Z41,- mounted a turntable I2. Cooperating bearing 553.:

members I3 and I4 respectively formed on the turntable base II and turntable I2, having balls I5 therebetween, as shown in Fig. 2, provide convenient antifriction means for permitting easy rotary movement of the turntable I2.

On the top of the turntable I2, and at the ends of a diameter, are aligned bearings I5a, and in which is rotatably mounted a shaft I6. At each end of the shaft I6 and at the periphery of the turntable I2 are secured supporting rollers I1 and on which ride longitudinal members I8 of a reciprocating framework I9. The framework I9 carries oscillating arms for raking the corners of the clarifier tank, as fully described in the patent to S. I. Bousman, No. 1,741,498, dated December 31, 1929.

Extending outwardly from diametrically opposite points on the turntable I 2 are arms or brackets 29, and at the free ends of such arms or brackets are rotatably mounted, on Vertical shafts 2|, the guide rollers 22. These guide rollers 22 engage with the vertical inner surfaces of the longitudinal members I8 of the reciprocating framework I9 and, with the supporting rollers I'I, serve to maintain the turntable I2 in operative relation with the framework during the reciprocating movement thereof.

One end of the reciprocating framework I9 is driven by, any suitable means, and is constrained to follow the contour of the periphery of the tank. As the tank, in the present instance, is non-cylindrical, there results a reciprocating movement of the framework I9, and the framework acts to rotate the turntable I2 on the base I I.

The tank may be of relatively large dimensions, with correspondingly large dimensions of the reciprocating framework I9. The rate of rotation of the framework I9 and turntable I2 is therefore relatively low, but must be relatively constant, and therefore constant watch must be maintained to control the rate of movement, or signal control means utilized to inform an attendant when the speed of rotation falls below a certain predetermined minimum.

The present invention contemplates an improved signal control means, and such a means is disclosed in operative relation with the structure above described.

Secured to the turntable base II by bolts 23 is a casing 24 provided with a removable cover 25. Within the casing 24 are aligned bearings 26 in which is rotatably mounted a shaft 21 carrying a bevel pinion 28. The shaft 21 extends outwardly through anopening in the casing 24 and through an opening 29 in an impeller housing 39, and which impeller housing is secured to the casing 24 by bolts 39. The casing 24 is oil tight, and is provided with a plug 3la through which oil may be withdrawn from the casing. Also the hole 29 in the impeller housing is provided with an oil seal bearing 3| for the shaft 21, so constructed as to prevent leakage of oil from the casing 24 through the hole 29.

The cover 25 of the casing 24 has rotatably mounted therein a vertical shaft 32 which, when the cover 25 is secured in position on the top of the casing, has its lower end supported in a bearing 33 in the bottom of the casing. Secured to the shaft 32, adjacent to the under face of the cover 25, is a bevel gear 34 which meshes with, and drives, the bevel pinion 28, and therefore the shaft 21.

The shaft 32 has secured to its top end a pinion 35 forming part of a train of gears. Another pinion 36 of such train-of gears meshes with and is driven by a ring gear 31 secured to the turntable I2 by bolts 38. As the turntable I2 rotates, the shaft 21 is caused to rotate in the direction of the arrows shown in Figs. 5, 8 and 9 and at a rate of speed determined in accordance with the desired normal speed of rotation of the turntable I2. The shaft 2! operates circuit controlling means for a signal device, as will be hereinafter described.

It is important to note a relationship and arrangement of parts that exist in the special combination of a suitable switch device with respect to the center pier of a sedimentation tank and with respect to the rotary rake construction revolving about the pier. It is also noteworthy that a rotary switch device is stationary with respect to and upon the pier and is gear driven through the rotation of the rake construction.

The impeller housing 3|] is provided with a circular recess 40 on its front face in which is housed an impeller 4|. The impeller or scoop wheel 4| is secured tothe outer end of the shaft 21 and rotates therewith. On the front, or outer, face of the impeller 4| are formed a plurality of scoop-or liquid transferring-compartments or recesses or radially extending cavities 42, the depth of such cavities increasing from the center of the impeller 4| toward the periphery thereof.

rim portion 4|b has a substantially cylindrical outer face which merges into the disc portion '4Ia by way of a rounded transitional portion Me. The lower portion of the circular recess 40 of the impeller housing 30 is cut away, as indicated by the numeral 43, and in such cut away portion is placed a felt dam 44, against the outer face-of which bears the rear or inner face of the impeller The open front of the impeller casing is closed by a cover 45. The cover 45 is secured to the open end of the casing by bolts46, a rubber gasket fl being interposed between the casing and cover.

As thus constructed, the impellercasing and-cover constitute a fluid-tightchamber for a bodyof mercury 48. The mercury'48 is inserted into the fluid-tight chamber through a passage 49, closed by a screw plug50.

Formed in the inner face of the cover 45, and in vertical alignment with the felt dam 44, is a rectangular recess 5| in which, as a close sliding fit,- is placed an adjusting block-52 of any suitable material, such as micarta. The adjusting block- 52 is movable toward and from the face of the impeller 4| to provide an orifice or gap for regulating the flow of mercury 48 back into the body of such mercury as the same is carried upwardly by the depressions 42 in the impeller as such im peller rotates.

Extending through the cover 45 into the recess washers 56. By the use of the adjusting screws- 53 and 54 the orifice or gap between the cooper-= ating faces of the impeller 4| and adjusting block 52 may be adjusted to control the rate of flow of the mercury 48 back to the bottom of the casing 30.

Surrounding the adjusting screws 53 and 54 and formed integral with the cover 45 is a terminal box 5'1. The open end of the terminal box is closed by a cover 58, secured to the terminal box by bolts 59, a gasket 60 being interposed between the terminal box and cover.

The terminal box 51 houses the adjusting screws 53 and 54 of the adjusting block 52, and also houses the terminal contacts and a portion of the wiring for the control circuit of a signal device. In the drawings one of such terminals is shown as a ground contact and comprises a screw 6! threaded into a boss 62 formed integral with the cover 45. On the screw BI is a washer 63 and between the washer 63 and the face of the boss 62 is clamped one end of a conductor 64.

The other of such terminals comprises a screw 64 extending through a perforation 65 in the cover 45, and having its head lying substantially flush with the inner face of the cover 45. The screw 64 extends through the blocks 66 of insulating'material and thus is maintained out of electrical engagement with the cover 45. A nut 61 on the threaded portion of the screw 64 holds the screw in fixed position in the cover 45, and

- a second nut 68 on the threaded portion of the screw 64 acts as means for clamping the end of a conductor 69 in engagement with the screw.

Screwed into a threaded hole in one of the walls of the terminal box 51 is a conduit 10 through which the insulated conductors 64 and 69 are led to any suitable source of power and actuating instrumentalities for controlling the operating circuit for a signal device.

Referring to Figs. 8 and 9 the conductor 64 is shown connected to one end of an electromagnet H, the other end of which is connected to a terminal of a source of power 12. The conductor 59 is connected to the other terminal of the source of power. Associated with the electromagnet H is a pivotedv armature 13 provided at its free end with a contact plate 14 insulated from the armature by the insulation 15. The contact plate 74 is adapted to engage with, or be separated from, a pair of contacts 16 of an energizing circuit 11 of a signal device 18. In Fig. 8 the signal device 18 is shown as an audible signal device, but obviously a Visual signal device may be employed if desired.

In the present showing, the electromagnet H is in a normally closed circuit, and the signal device 78 is in a normally open circuit. However, should it be so desired, the above conditions may be reversed.

Referring to Figs. 8 and 9, where the circuit controlling means for the electromagnet H is shown in two difierent positions, and to the other figures illustrating the means for rotating the impeller 42 in the proper direction and at the desired rate of speed, and assuming that the body of mercury 48, because of the rotation of the impeller 42, has a portion thereof, on one side of the adjusting block 52, raised to such a height in the impeller housing 30 as to have the contact screw 64 immersed therein. Incident to this operating condition of the device a difierentiation d will have been established between the respective levels of the liquid bodies at the respective sides of the dam portion 52. (See Fig. 8.) Under such conditions the energizing circuit from the source of power 12 for the electromagnet 'H will be completed between thecontact screws 64 and 6i. Electromagnet ll will be energized, attracting its armature l3 and withdrawing contact plate 14 from engagement with the contacts '16 of the energizing circuit for the signal device 18 and such signal device will remain silent. This condition will prevail as long as the speed of rotation of the turntable 12 is maintained above a predetermined minimum.

Regulation of the orifice or gap between the adjusting block 52 and the face of the impeller 4| ensures that excess of mercury, above that required for the immersion of the contact screw 64, will liow back into the bottom of the impeller housing 36. q

If, however, the speed vof rotation of the turntable I2 falls below the required minimum, the mercury 48 will flew back to the bottom of the impeller housing 36 faster than it willbe carried upwardly by the impeller 42. In this event the lowering of the level of the mercury 48 on the side of the adjusting block 52 where the contact screws 64 and 6! are located, with the result that eventually the mercury 48 will be no longer in engagement with the contact screw 64. Electrical engagement between the contact screws. 6| and 64 is broken, thus breaking the energizing circuit for the electromagnet 'H, which is thereupon deenergized, releasing its armature, which brings the contact plate 14 into engagement with the contacts 76. This completes the energizing circuit for the signal device 78, which thereupon operates to apprise an attendant that the speed of rotation of the turntable l2 and mechanism carried thereby, has dropped below the required minimum.

The invention has been shown and described as a means for operating a signal device when the speed of a machine falls below a certain r'equired or specified minimum. however, as a means for operating a signal device when the speed of a machine rises above a required or specified maximum. Also, the invention may be embodied in various forms, and therefore, the scope of the invention is not be be limited other than as pointed out in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In combination with a sedimentation tank having a center pier, and a rotary sediment raking construction of the traction driven type having a traction driven arm member extending from the center to the margin of the tank, which member is rotatable about and having its inner portion supported upon said center pier, said center pier having fixed thereon at its upper end portion a turntable base, said rotary raking construction having a turntable to support the inner end of said arm member and rotatable upon said turntable base, a rotary speed responsive switch device supported by and mounted stationary with respect to said pier, and rotation transmitting means operatively interconnecting said turntable with said speed responsive device to cause the to the rotation of It is applicable driving the same, and the transmitting means comprising a ring gear connected and rotating co-axially with said turntable and meshing with said gear means of the speed responsive device, inwhich further the turntable base is an annular element, and the ring gear and the speed responsive device are disposed substantially within the space defined by the largest inner diameter of said turntable base.

4. In combination with a sedimentation tank having a center pier, and a rotary sediment raking construction of the traction driven type having a traction driven arm member extending from the center to the margin of the tank, which member is rotatable about and having its inner portion supported upon said center pier, said center pier having fixed thereon at its upper end portion a turntable base, said rotary raking construction having a turntable to support the inner end of .said arm member and rotatable upon said turntable base, a rotary speed responsive switch device supported by and mounted stationary with respect to said pier, and rotation transmitting 7 means operatively interconnecting said turntable with said speed responsive device to cause the latter to rotate in proportion to the rotation of said turntable, said speed responsive device comprising a, stationary chamber having electric circuit making or breaking terminals controlling a circuit associated therewith, and adapted to receive and hold a bath of liquid electrical conductor, a scoop wheel having a shaft mounted in the wall of said chamber and having its lower portion immersed to a suitable degree in said liquid conductor, said scoop wheel having a hub portion, a smooth rim portion, and evenly spaced radial wall portions between said hub and said rim por- 'tion, thus forming liquid transferring compartments between said radial wall portions, a bath 40 dividing dam construction extending transversely of said chamber and designed to conform to and substantially hug the central vertical cross-sectional outline of the scoop wheel at least along the lower portion thereof, said dam being of suflicient thickness relative to the width and not narrower than the width of said scoop compartments to prevent unrestricted communication between both bath portions as defined by the dam construction, said dam construction, however, being designed to provide passage between both said bath sections to permit a certain restricted and controlled predetermined rate of flow communication therethrough, said scoop wheel thus potentially effective and depending upon its rate of rotation to transfer suflicient liquid from the one bath section to the other to effect a differentiation of the respective liquid levels in said bath sections to result in circuit making or vbreaking whenever the amount of liquid thus transferred from the one section past the dam construction exceeds said predetermined rate of return flow communication to be dammed up sufficiently to influence said terminals and the circuit controlled thereby, and transmitting means for imparting rotation from said rotatable sediment raking construction to the scoop wheel of said speed responsive device.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, in which the scoop wheel is additionally defined as by a uni-lateral disc wall portion extending between the hubs and the rim portion and the radial wall portions, thus forming laterally open cavities to represent said scoop compartments.

6. Apparatus according to claim 4, in which the scoop wheel is additionally defined as by a unilateral disc wall portion extending between the hub and the rim portion and the radial wall portions, and in which the rim portion has a substantially cylindrical exterior surface and merges with the disc wall portion by way of a rounded transitional portion.

CHARLES H. SCOTT. 

